Bali bans two Dutch expats after run club row and missing permits

Indonesia’s immigration authorities banned two Dutch nationals from returning. Officials say they organised an illegal running event in Bali. Online claims also say the expat-focused club Entourage Bali rejected Indonesian applicants.

This is a news summary, not legal advice. One club case does not change every visa rule overnight.

What changed

• Two Dutch men, aged 35 and 37, are banned from re-entering Indonesia, BBC reported on July 27, 2026.
• They left Bali for Singapore before the ban was announced.
• Immigration says the run had no permit. That alone broke the rules.
• Social posts alleged local applicants were blocked, while foreigners got in faster. The group said chat-group errors wrongly rejected some Indonesia phone numbers.
• Bali Governor I Wayan Koster vowed “strict action” so similar cases do not repeat.
• Immigration chief Hendarsam Marantoko again warned against foreigners building a “state within a state” on the island.

What you still need

• A valid stay type that matches what you actually do in Bali.
• Local permits before you organise public events, races, or paid meetups.
• Care with expat-only clubs that shut locals out. Discrimination claims now draw hard political heat.
• The same enforcement climate covered in our earlier note on Bali tourist visas and paid content.

Who this affects

• Digital nomads and expats in Bali who host runs, clubs, or ticketed meetups.
• Visitors on tourist stays who treat community events like a business.
• People comparing Southeast Asia bases, especially Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia.

What to do next

1. Read the BBC report and watch official immigration notices if you live or host events in Bali.
2. Keep event permits and visa purpose aligned. Do not run commercial-style clubs on a tourist stay.
3. Skim our Indonesia second home visa page and Indonesia vs Malaysia if you are still picking a base.

News summary only, not legal advice. Check Indonesian immigration channels before you organise or advertise events in Bali.